This classic dish features tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory ground meat mixture and simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- For the Cabbage:
- 1 large green cabbage
- For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork (optional)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) can tomato soup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
- Submerge the cabbage in the boiling water for a few minutes until the outer leaves begin to soften.
- Remove the softened leaves one by one and set aside to cool.
- Repeat until you have enough leaves for your desired number of rolls.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and pork (if using) over medium heat until browned.
- Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked rice, oregano, thyme, pepper, and salt.
- Cook and stir for a few more minutes to combine.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface.
- Place a spoonful of the meat mixture near the bottom of the leaf.
- Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling.
- Roll up the leaf tightly, tucking in the ends.
- Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, water, bay leaf, basil, and sugar (if using).
- Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Rolls:
- Carefully place the stuffed cabbage rolls in the sauce, seam-side down.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1-1.5 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are tender.
- Serve:
- Remove the cabbage rolls from the sauce and serve hot with additional sauce spooned over them.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef or pork.
- Add other vegetables to the filling, such as carrots, mushrooms, or spinach.
- For a shortcut, use pre-cooked brown rice in the filling.
- If you don’t have time to simmer the rolls on the stovetop, you can cook them in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Stuffed Cabbage Rolls!